The CAN DO partnership in Yorkshire has received a £50,000 grant to help it prepare a bid for conservation funding from the Landscape Partnership Scheme.

The grant – awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – will be used to set out proposals to restore heathland habitats and ancient woodland sites in a southwest corner of the North York Moors National Park and nearby adjoining Howardian Hills.

CAN DO also hopes to raise awareness of recreational opportunities as well as local traditions and history.

Partnership coordinator Lyn Mansfield from the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “We will be spending the next few months consulting residents and regular visitors to determine which landscape improvements would bring the most benefits and to find new ways of working together.

“This will involve PLB Consulting, based in Malton, creating audience development plans to highlight how we can maximise our work with the local community and identifying new groups that are keen to get involved.”

CAN DO – Hambleton and Howardian Hills Cultural and Natural Development opportunity – partners include the North York Moors National Park, English Heritage, Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency. Details: www.moors.uk.net